Time remains for those who have yet to respond to the Texas Department of Transportation’s invitation to the public to share their opinions and concerns about the future of Interstate Highway 30 in East Texas. According to Tim McAlavy, the response has been strong but TxDOT wants everyone to have an opportunity to contribute. The survey will close at the end of June according to McAlavy.
I-30 is an important connection for travel and trade. But as the interstate highway system ages and population and trade increase in Texas, it is necessary to assess the current safety and capacity of this highway. The I-30 East Texas Corridor Study is being undertaken to identify rural transportation needs along I-30 from the Rockwall-Hunt county line to the Texas-Arkansas border.
The study area spans 145 miles across six counties and lies within TxDOT’s Paris and Atlanta Districts. TxDOT’s Dallas District meanwhile is undertaking separate studies to identify improvements from the Rockwall-Hunt county line into the Dallas Metropolitan Area.
The study will address and focus on:
- Existing and future traffic volumes, including trucks
- Crash statistics and safety needs
- Economic development opportunities
- Highway characteristics such as overpass clearances, bridge & structure ratings, pavement condition, median treatments, truck parking, lane and shoulder widths, and frontage roads
- Community needs
- Environmental features
TxDOT officials said the public can provide its input and feedback on the future of I-30 by participating in an online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/I-30EastTexas
Local communities and leaders will also be involved to better incorporate community needs and concerns in the study. The I-30 Working Group comprised of local stakeholders will help TxDOT identify and assess transportation needs along the corridor. It will also provide an avenue to engage and inform the public, gather input and provide recommendations. The working group includes a cross-section of elected officials and other stakeholders along the I-30 corridor.
The I-30 East Texas Corridor Study working group will conduct a series of virtual and in-person meetings during the study, which is expected to be completed in Fall 2016. Working group members will also conduct public outreach activities which will be incorporated into the study’s analyses and recommendations.
More information on the I-30 East Texas Corridor Study is available online at: http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/statewide/i30-east-texas-corridor.html
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